Child Protection United States Project #27435

Finding Forever Families for Youth in LA County

by Kidsave International

Finding Forever Families for Youth in LA County

Project Report | Dec 4, 2018
It Started in the Lunch Line!

By Bonnie Williams | Staff Member

Aura and Helen

Aura and Helen (age 14) first met in Spring 2017 waiting in the lunch line at a Kidsave Weekend Miracles event. Weekend Miracles advocacy events are pathways for connections for foster youth and families that are interested in hosting or adopting a foster youth. It proved to be a boon for painfully shy Helen! Both Aura and Helen were pleasantly surprised at how a brief conversation set them on a path to becoming a family.

Aura completed her host training in May 2017. She deepened her connection with Helen as a weekend host parent and bonded with her at Kidsave events. They also got to know each other over shopping, going to the mall and listening to music. Helen had been in Los Angeles County foster care for nearly five years when she moved into Aura’s home in August 2018.

She thoroughly enjoys family life with Aura and is thrilled to have two puppies! Shortly after moving in, Helen began high school. Aura is a supportive parent who encourages Helen to pursue her interests in volleyball and theater. Entering a new school, a new home, and new environment was a lot to deal with for this quiet teenager. Her new family has been by her side every step of the way and Helen continues to thrive. Family time is full of small but special moments.

Aura is now in the process of adopting Helen! Helen and Aura are hoping to finalize the adoption in early 2019. Since Kidsave started this work with LA County in 2006, 396 teens and pre-teens have participated in Weekend Miracles and on 77% have found a permanent connection to an adult through adoption, legal guardianship or hosting.

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Sep 5, 2018
Foster Youth gets a Family for his 18th Birthday

By Bonnie Williams | Manager of Development

Jesus and Grant.

Grant had been involved with Kidsave for about a year when met Jesus at a cake-decorating ice-breaker event in the summer of 2016. These monthly Weekend Miracles events make it easier for adults to meet and begin to get to know Los Angeles County foster kids in need of permanent, loving families.

Jesus immediately captured Grant’s attention when they discovered they shared a love of football. They talked about Jesus’ favorite team -- the Seattle Seahawks, and Grant’s -- the USC Trojans, and the coach they had in common – Pete Carroll. It was clear that this kind-hearted, sweet teenager needed a family and was open to getting to know Grant. That launched a series of weekends activities together and by Thanksgiving they planned to spend the holidays together. Soon, they were matched for adoption. As Grant likes to say, “I got Jesus for Christmas” – as Jesus moved in on Dec. 23^rd, 2016.

Grant is a single dad who now enjoys watching Jesus play on his high school’s football and track teams, traveling to Hawaii, New York, Dallas, San Francisco and Portland so far. He’s bonded with Jesus at sporting events, met other parents he’d never know otherwise, watched Jesus’ attempts to be humorous, and – most of all – watched Jesus mature into a young man and gain self-confidence. Grant says his own capacity for patience has increased and recognizes with a smile that, “[Jesus’] normal is not my normal.”

His advice to others who have decided to open their hearts and homes to a kid in need is, “Ask for help and accept it. There are lots of support systems for you to take advantage of.” Grant and Jesus will go to court to finalize the adoption on Sept .11 – just days before Jesus turns 18. And now, thanks to Grant and Kidsave, Jesus will have a legal family for the rest of his life.

An added bonus: Jesus and Grant live a few blocks away from another Weekend Miracles family, Steven and his son, Marcos. The boys met and became friends through Weekend Miracles and now attend the same school.

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Jun 12, 2018
"I won't let my past define me"

By Bonnie Williams | Manager of Development

Ty tells his story

Not every 10^th-grader can stand in front of 300+ adults and speak with wisdom, humility and humor but Ty did just that at an event to honor people who have helped for foster youth in Los Angeles County. He received a standing ovation.

Ty is in foster care and lives in a group home. He participates in Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program which finds permanent families and lasting connections for older youth growing up in the Los Angeles County foster care system. After attending a few of Kidsave’s monthly events, Ty was matched for hosting with Lacey and Eric in 2018. As mentors, Lacey and Eric commit to spending time with Ty at least twice a month for a year. They see each other regularly and talk on the phone daily.

Lacey and Eric learned about Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program and thought it would be a great way to volunteer, be supportive and serve as positive role models in a foster child's life. They have opened many doors for Ty and have shown him that a positive, meaningful future is possible. Ty says, “It’s good to know that somebody cares and I am not alone. Eric and Lacey are making a difference in my life. They and Kidsave are trying to help me find an adoptive family.” Ty dreams of running for political office and would like to help other kids have what he has with Eric and Lacey -- a lasting connection to caring adults.

Ty shared a simple but profound message in his speech. “When people read about a kid like me -- a kid in the system – they get a picture in their minds, and they miss who I really am. Through Kidsave, Eric and Lacey got to see that I’m way more than what’s on paper. They provide advice and guidance, and they help me a lot with school.”

Children in foster care are intelligent, observant, talented, and often wise beyond their years. Ty says, “A group home is not a home. There are no parents, the staff come and go. It made me realize how much I want a family. So, I told my social worker and she told me about Kidsave. The first Kidsave event felt different. People at Kidsave are so outgoing they make you feel like you are at home. I met Eric and Lacey at the first event I went to, and over time I felt comfortable with them.”

Kidsave is helping the public discover that and is inspiring families to open their hearts and homes to youth in need of permanency. Currently, 50 foster youth are participating in Kidsave’s Los Angeles Weekend Miracles program.

“I won’t let my past define me,” Ty says. “I simply can’t. I can’t own up to those stereotypes people have. I am learning trust and to believe in my dreams and make them my reality.”

Kidsave is looking for an adoptive family for Ty. To learn more read his bio https://www.kidsave.org/tyrae-la/

Ty, in a more relaxed moment.

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